HONG KONG, 13December 2018 - Canon announces today the new RF 28-70mm f/2L USM large aperture standard zoom lens is now available for sale. By utilizing Canon’s cutting-edge optical technology and the large diameter and short back focus distance benefited from the RF mount, this revolutionary standard zoom lens with constant f/2 aperture expands the artistic expression possibilities for professional photographers that have never seen before. As a L series RF lens developed for professional photographers who strive for superior image quality, RF 28-70mm f/2L USM is developed with Canon’s leading optical technology and adopts 4 aspherical lens elements, 1 Super UD lens and 2 UD lens elements to deliver exceptional image quality even at the maximum aperture. The constant f/2 aperture allows photographers to create stunning photos with shallow depth of field and dramatic background blurring at all zoom positions. It also features both SWC (Subwavelength Structure Coating) and ASC (Air Sphere Coating) anti-reflective technologies to improve image quality when shooting into backlight. With the Ring-type USM, RF lens Control Ring and Dust-and-water resistant design, this professional lens is the coveted lens for professional photographers, advanced amateurs and videographers shooting portrait, wedding, landscape and astrophotography who always are not satisfied with the f/2.8 standard zoom lens and wish to have a larger aperture.

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RF 28-70mm f/2L USM large aperture standard zoom lens

A Constant f/2 Large Aperture across the Whole Zoom Range with Superior Image Quality for Professional Photographers

By utilizing the benefits of large diameter and short back focus distance of the new RF mount, this revolutionary RF 28-70mm f/2L USM offers the never-seen-before constant f/2 aperture across the entire 28-70mm zoom range with superior image quality. This lens adopts a newly developed 19 elements in 13 groups optical design, including effectively placement of 2 high precision Ground aspherical lens elements and 2 high precision Glass-molded (GMo) aspherical lens elements to significantly reduce spherical aberration, distortion and astigmatism.. The GMo aspherical lens elements are produced by a new type of glass molding machine with a significantly higher level of aspheric accuracy for the first time to achieve the optical precision required. The lens also makes use of 1 Super UD lens and 2 UD lens elements to reduce axial chromatic aberration and chromatic aberration caused by magnification. With the new RF mount, a large-diameter lens can be positioned closer to the focal plane to achieve high image quality in peripheral area and keep the size of this f/2 camera-lens system practical. As a result, superior image quality comparable to a single focal length lens has been achieved at all zoom positions. This RF 28–70mm f/2L USM lens is able to render image quality at f/2 that rivals that of EF 24–70mm f/2.8L II USM at f/2.8.

Thanks to its bright and large aperture of f/2, the RF 28-70mm f/2L USM enables photographers to create a strong sense of three-dimensional depth to highlight the subject with dramatic background blurring easily. With an extra stop of light compared to f/2.8, exposure combination becomes even more flexible. For example, wedding and portrait photographers can either use a faster shutter speed to freeze the moment or lower ISO to enhance image quality when shooting indoor or in low light environment. What’s more, amazingly beautiful and soft background blur can be delivered with its 9-blade circular aperture at all zoom positions This lens achieves a minimum focusing distance of 0.39m and 0.18x maximum magnification, enabling photographers to get closer to the subject and create impressive close-up shots and stunning background blurred effects with its large aperture.

​​​Comparison of Depth of Field and Background Blurring​​

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With f/2 aperture, this lens delivers a stunning background blur and shallower depth of field that no other standard zoom lens can do before

The background blur and depth of field at f/2.8

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With the advanced optical design and f/2 aperture, the RF 28–70mm f/2L USM delivers the flexibility, performance and image quality of 28mm, 35mm, 50mm and 70mm fixed focal length lenses in one discreet package. Combining the outstanding performance, brightness and versatility of several focal lengths into one lens, the RF 28–70mm f/2L USM performs with reassuring consistency, especially in high-pressure situations where quality matters and there's no time for lens changes.

This lens incorporates both Canon’s SWC (Subwavelength Structure Coating) and ASC (Air Sphere Coating) anti-reflection coating technology which effectively suppress flare and ghosting caused by reflections and improve image clarity and contrast when shooting into backlight. SWC uses an advanced process to arrange a multitude of nano-scaled (200-400nm) pyramidal structures smaller than the wavelength of visible light on the lens surface to reduce reflection; it has an excellent anti-reflective effect particularly to light entering with large angles of incidence. ASC, on the other hand, suppresses reflection by combining an ultra-low refractive film of silicon dioxide and a certain percentage of air with the conventional vapor-deposited multi-layer to form a coating with refractive index lower than optical glass and close to that of air; it suppresses reflection with respect to incident light that enters vertically. With these anti-reflection technologies, photographers can create high quality images even under backlit condition without hassle.

A Brand New Shooting Experience Brought by the Control Ring and RF Mount

RF 28-70mm f/2L USM also incorporates a “control ring” on the lens barrel as found in RF lens series to which photographers can directly adjust numerous settings including aperture value, shutter speed, ISO sensitivity and exposure compensation. Located towards the front of the lens and effectively adding a third dial to the EOS R camera's main dial and quick control dial, photographers now have three individual dials to set the aperture, shutter speed and ISO sensitivity respectively. The control ring also has a tactile, easily distinguished surface and features a clicking mechanism[1] that provides tangible feedback for confident use while looking through the electronic viewfinder, it reduces the difficulty of operations that formerly required several steps. It is useful when shooting through the electronic viewfinder (EVF) because photographer can set the desired exposure quickly before pressing the shutter button while keeping an eye on EVF, maximizing the benefits of EVF and operation efficiency.

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RF 28-70mm f/2L USM features a ring-type USM (Ultrasonic Motor) and inner focusing system. It uses a high-performance CPU-controlled actuation and AF algorithm matching with EOS R to provide fast and accurate autofocus. Even the lens has large diameter focus glasses, the ring-type USM can generate high torque which can deliver fast and accurate auto focus to photographers. The ring-type USM also supports Full-time Manual Focus and the smooth “Movie Servo AF” when recording movie with EOS R’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology.

To cope with various user applications on focus operation, all RF lenses adopt the electronic ring design to drive the motions of the focus ring and control ring, making customization possible. RF lenses allow photographers to change the rotation direction (clockwise or anti-clockwise) of the focus ring and control ring to match their preferences. Besides, the focus ring rotational sensitivity during manual focusing can also be customized. By default, it is set to “Varies with rotation speed”. Sensitivity of the focus ring will depend on the speed at which the ring is turned, the focus will change by a greater degree when the ring is turned faster; while slower rotation allows fine focus adjustments. Another option “Linked to rotation degree” is also available in which the focusing distance will be directly proportional to the rotation degree, regardless of the rotation speed. This option can provide the same control characteristic and sensation similar to cinema lenses. It is extremely convenient for videographers who want to manually and precisely control the focus position.

Thanks to the high speed and high capacity communication system of the new RF mount, photographers can now check the focus distance directly in the EVF by utilizing the “Focus Distance Display” function (automatically enabled during Manual Focus by default).

High Reliability and Durability to Withstand Challenging Environment

RF 28-70mm f/2L USM retains the high durability, vibration-and-shock resistance and rugged construction same as the EF L-series lenses to cope with professional photographers’ demands. Fluorine coating is also added to the foremost and rearmost lens surfaces to repel dust particles and water droplets. It also makes smears and fingerprints easy to remove without the use of lens cleaning fluid. In addition, the aperture blades of the lens will close automatically when the camera is switched off to prevent the light from getting inside and protect the camera. The lens also features dust and water resistance design[2] in the lens mount, switch panel and all rings to provide high durability that satisfies the strict demand from professional photographers, making it ideal for professional photographers to rely on while working in vastly challenging outdoor environments.

The new Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM (bundled with Lens Hood EW-103 and Lens Case LP1424) is now available for sale and the suggested retail price is HK$24,680.

Accessories for RF 28-70mm f/2L USM and their suggested retail prices are as follows:

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Model

Suggested Retail Price

95mm Protect Filter

HK$2,380

95mm Circular Polarizing Filter PL-C B

HK$4,680

Lens Hood EW-103

HK$680

Lens Cap E-95

HK$180

Lens Dust Cap RF

HK$80

Lens Case LP1424

HK$430

About Canon Hongkong Company Limited

Canon Inc. (TSE:7751 / NYSE:CAJ) was founded in 1937 in Japan. Its predecessor, Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory, produced Japan's first 35 mm focal-plane-shutter camera “Kwanon” in 1934. Canon Inc. eventually expanded into the photocopying and printing industries, launching Japan's first plain-paper copier NP-1100 in 1970 and the world's first inkjet printer BJ-80 in 1985. Through the years, Canon Inc. has acquired in-depth experience in digital imaging product manufacturing, and research and development. It is a leader in the development of innovative products and holds the most technology patents in the imaging industry. Canon Inc. also makes a significant contribution to the promotion of photography. Today, Canon Inc. has a strong global presence and is one of the most important market players in the imaging, office and industrial product categories. As of 31 December 2017, Canon's global revenue was US$36.1 billion.

One of the company’s first offices in Asia, Canon Hongkong Co., Ltd. (CHK) was established in 1971. It is responsible for the sales, marketing and after-sales services for all Canon product lines in Hong Kong and Macau. With the solely owned subsidiary Canon Business Solutions (Guangdong) Co., Ltd.” established in 2018, the company can also provide intelligent total business solutions and professional services to companies in the Greater Bay Area. CHK adheres to Canon’s corporate philosophy of “kyosei”, which encourages the company and its staff to participate in social, charitable and environmental activities in the community. CHK implements internationally-recognized management systems and has achieved ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001 (Canon Digital Production Center) and OHSAS 18001 certification. For more information about Canon Hongkong, please visit our website: https://hk.canon/.

[1] The clicking sensation and sound of the control ring can be removed for silent control during photo shooting or video recording. This service is available at Canon Care Center (chargeable service).

[2] With EOS R Body and requires an optional Canon 95mm Protect Filter to maximize the dust-and-water resistance. However, it is not recommended for use under rain.